Model Routes

Second Golden Route

The journey from Tokyo through Nagoya and on to Kyoto, Nara and Osaka is well travelled and known as Japan’s Golden Route. By making a detour off this route, you can enjoy enriching cultural experiences and see unique parts of Japan. Here are our Second Golden Route suggestions.

The North route: Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa

Experience the history and tradition of Japan in Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa, a short detour to the north of the Golden Route.

Itinerary
DAY 1 Nagoya – Takayama
Takayama is a beautiful, historical town with projecting latticework and eaves of uniform heights.

DAY 2 Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa
Get lost in a World Heritage listed village with thatched roof farm houses built in the traditional gassho-zukuri style.

DAY 3 Kanazawa – Kyoto
Experience the history and culture in Kanazawa, the old capital of Hokuriku.

The South route: Ise Shima – Kumano Kodo – Koyasan

Venturing south of the original Golden Route will take you through Mie and Wakayama prefectures on the Kii Peninsula, a very sacred and spiritual part of Japan. Follow in the paths of pilgrims who have been making the journey to this region for centuries.